Staff Development

Welcome to SSU Staff Development

Spring 2014 Events

Reading of "The 13 Clockshe 13 Clocks" (James Thurber) by Beth Warner

Tuesday & Wednesday, February 25 & 26
Noon to 1:00 PM - STEV 3042

Once upon a time, in a gloomy castle on a lonely hill, where there were thirteen clocks that wouldn’t go, there lived a cold, aggressive Duke, and his niece, the Princess Saralinda. She was warm in every wind and weather, but he was always cold. His hands were as cold as his smile, and almost as cold as his heart. ...

How can anyone describe this book? It isn't a parable, a fairy story or a poem, but rather a mixture of all three. It is beautiful and it is comic. It is philosophical and it is cheery. And Thurber’s word play is delightful. No wonder this is my daughter's favorite book.

Please join us! Bring your lunch and enjoy some desserts and beverages provided by the Staff Development Committee.

"Beautiful things don't ask for attention." - James Thurber

More Special Collections at the Schulz Library

Wednesday, March 5th - Noon to 1:00PM – Schulz Library

Dayle Reily, Assistant Librarian - Join us for a look at some of the many Special Collections housed in Schulz Library, which include everything from Jack London’s papers to original panels of Brenda Starr comics. We’ll meet in the Quiet Reading Room on the 3rd floor south for Dayle to give us an overview of these, plus a look at some of the many interesting collections available. Lynn will be showing us different items than those featured in the Fall tour. After Lynn’s introduction, we will be able to browse the materials and ask questions.

Kevin will discuss the successful launching of the T-LogoQube, a small satellite that transmits information about the Earth's magnetic field. This satellite allows SSU Physics students to do space-based measurements with their own equipment.

CANCELLED - TO BE RESCHEDULED SOON

Wednesday, March 26th - Noon to 1:00PM – Amici's Pizza
(their old location in the Cooperage)

RSVP'S ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT! EMAIL HENKER@SONOMA.EDU

Join us for a discussion and demonstration by Chef Eric Lee on preparing easy/healthy snacks. Get ready for an active, healthy spring and summer with these easy, fun treats you can prepare to satisfy those cravings.

Eric Lee - SSU Executive Chef - Before becoming a Food Network Star finalist and ending up here, Chef Eric studied at UCLA and the Culinary Institute of America. He. is well-known for his mastery of food and wine pairing and distinguishes his food by deconstructing and re-creating classic dishes using alternative ingredients and cooking methods. Lee is also an accomplished food photographer.

SSU Garden & Tree Walk

Tuesday, April 8th- Noon to 1:00PM
Meet at Commons Patio

Kevin Otten, Facilities Gardening Specialist and Arborist - Come on a lovely springtime walk with SSU’s Gardening Specialist and Arborist Kevin Otten. Kevin will guide us to the garden spots and groves on campus, identifying the various plants and trees that make up SSU’s beautiful grounds.

Get away from your desk, put on some comfy shoes and enjoy our great out outdoors.

Bicycle Safety - Officer Adam Peters

Thursday, April 10th - Noon to 1:00PM – The Arbor at The Lakes

Bring your bike so you can get it engraved with your ID!

Come and learn some basics about bicycle safety, including locking your bicycle, avoiding theft, rules of the road, safety tips and any other questions that arise.Also, Adam will have his engraving kit so you can get your ID permanently marked on your bicycle!

Acceptance and Commitment: Further Strategies to Enhance Health and Performance
Dr. Glenn Brassington

Wednesday, April 16th – Noon to 1:00PM – Stevenson 3042

Dr. Brassington will discuss exciting new scientifically supported psychological techniques that will help you more effectively deal with the inevitable stresses and strains of life at SSU and beyond. The Serenity Prayer reads: "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference." In his talk, Dr. Brassington will focus on ways to work with our minds, hearts, and bodies to promote serenity and happiness both within ourselves and among our family, friends, and colleagues. This will be a hands-on workshop so expect to be engaged and to leave feeling upbeat and with a renewed sense of confidence and calm.

Glenn Brassington, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychology at Sonoma State University, a lecturer in the Continuing Studies Program at Stanford University, and a Licensed Clinical, Health, and Performance Psychologist. He has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific papers on sleep and health. Dr. Brassington’s lectures and classes have been some of the most well attended health and wellness events at organizations such as Stanford University, Apple, HP, and Roche.

Concert with Faith Ako

Wednesday April 23 – Noon to 1:00PM – GMC 1029

We are very pleased to announce a concert with Grammy nominee and award winner for Traditional Hawaiian Album 2010 Faith Ako. Faith comes from a large Polynesian family and says "personally my goal is to help preserve and promote music of the Hawaiian people." We are thrilled she has agreed to come do a concert with us and share her music and heritage.

As the Bay Area’s premier female artist in Traditional/Contemporary Hawaiian music for more than a decade, Faith Ako has long graced the West Coast with her versatile voice. She won two Hawaiian Music Awards for her first album Kukahi, and her second album, Papaku Bring It Home, earned Faith a Hawaiian genre Grammy entry in 2010. Faith’s third album, Kulaiwi, released in September, 2013.

Over the years, Faith has made special guest appearances at Pakele Live in Honolulu, and The Maui Prince Hotel in Kihei. She has also performed in various Hawaiian Festivals, Ukulele Retreat Workshops, and has given live radio interviews on local stations in California and throughout Hawaii. Faith has played to sold-out audiences in California at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, The Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, Yoshi’s in both San Francisco and Oakland, The de Young Museum in San Francisco, Whittier College in Los Angeles, and Dougherty Performing Arts Center in San Ramon, and most recently a tour to Osaka, Japan for Hawaiian Music performances and a Ukelele Workshop. Faith continues to delight the crowds with her sultry voice and passion for Hawaiian music. Listening to Faith’s leo nahenahe, will conjure the essence of island Aloha without ever leaving home.

THIS CONCERT IS OPEN TO THE ENTIRE CAMPUS COMMUNITY. WE INVITE FACULTY TO COME AND ENCOURAGE THEIR STUDENTS TO ATTEND AS WELL. GET THERE A FEW MINUTES EARLY FOR A GOOD SEAT.

Spring Birdwatching around SSU

Thursday, April 24th- Noon to 1:00PM
Meet at Commons Patio

Becky Olsen, Financial Services - Join Becky to explore our campus on a walk around the Duck Ponds, and Native Garden/Copeland Creek area to look for local and migratory birds and learn a little about their natural history. Bring binoculars if you have them and be prepared for an hour of walking (comfortable shoes and weather appropriate gear).